Spring Fling

When it comes to pest control, springtime is one of the most important times of the year to get a jump on emerging bugs and insects. With warmer temps around the corner, you can turn the spring fling the pests want to have – into a spring fail. With the professionals at Hopper Termite and Pest, you have the solution needed to rain on their party. Here are a few spaces that will need attention.

Kitchen

Among other common spring bugs, ants are known to infest kitchen spaces because this room provides easy access to food and water sources. They often march through the heart of the home while searching for crumbs left behind from dinner, sticky residue from liquid spills and overripe fruit sitting out on the countertop. Although you may make a concerted effort to keep the kitchen clean on a daily basis, it usually takes the services of a professional to get ahead of their game. A few things you can do to help include:

• Discard stale spices and other dated items such as flour
• Wipe down the inside of your cabinets, installing fresh shelf paper
• Pull appliances from the wall as much as possible and vacuum behind them
• Scrub the kitchen counter and floor space with dishwashing liquid mix

Bathroom

Many spring pests like cockroaches and silverfish are attracted to moisture, so they are commonly found in bathrooms. Eliminating sources of water in the bathroom is the best way to prevent pest infestations, especially because this pest can only survive for one week without water. In addition to washing the shower curtain and liner, and cleaning out the medicine cabinet, you will also want to check under the sink and around the tub and toilet to ensure there are no moisture issues from leaky pipes or faucets.

Basement

Rodents, spiders and many other pests can make themselves at home in the basement. The main reason that pests often take up refuge in this underground space is that this room tends to harbor dark corners and clutter, which provides the ideal place for rodents and spiders to hide. Take some time to go through your valuables and eliminate clutter where possible. Steer clear from using cardboard boxes to store items, using plastic bins with secure lids instead. You should also be sure to seal any cracks or crevices with a silicone-based caulk that pests could use to enter your home. Remember, mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime and other small insects need only a paper-thin crack to gain entry.

Outdoor Space

Once you complete your list of inside tasks, inspect your home’s perimeter, taking stock of any damage done over the winter months. Start on the roof by repairing fascia and rotted roof shingles, as some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood. Then, clean out clogged gutters and downspouts to ensure they are properly functioning before the April showers roll in. You may also find you need to repair ripped screens, replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. When landscaping, don’t forget to trim bushes and branches away from the home to prevent easy access for outdoor spring bugs to move indoors. Also, remove rotted tree stumps and keep mulch at least 15 inches away from the home’s foundation – both of which could be magnets for termites.

The Spring Win

With the arrival of warm weather, it brings with it a renewed energy to get ahead of the onslaught of bugs and insects and to tackle home improvements. In order to maintain a healthy living environment for your family inside and out, and to deter pests from infesting your living space this spring, talk about the need for professional pest control. There is no better way to stop the spring fling than by calling Hopper Termite and Pest. We know how, where, and when to inspect. We have years of experience, giving us a distinct advantage when conquering and preventing any pest problem you may have. Serving northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, we understand that our customers are looking for dependable, effective solutions for their termite and pest problems. Our highly-trained technicians provide a range of services, from residential to commercial and industrial, small to large buildings, eliminating termites and other pests. Give us a call today!